The media and the early dissemination of information on medicines for COVID-19: current scenario in Pakistan

Factors associated with the use of medicines and self-medication during the COVID-19 pandemic in 12 Latin American countries

“…Faced with the knowledge that people are taking the use of medications into their own hands, it is of imminent importance to know which unproven medicines have been used for COVID-19 prevention and/or treatment in Latin American countries during the pandemic. Further, it may be beneficial to identify factors associated with their use, since there are many cultures and beliefs across the region which could predispose to self-medication [ 6 ], in addition to the influence of the media [ 9 , 10 ]. With this knowledge in hand, effective and population-targeted public health measures could then be implemented in order to better inform and help people, thereby minimizing health risks.…”